The sun has got his hat on and there's no better place to soak it up than on a rooftop.
We've already been blessed with some beautiful weather this summer (touch wood), and here in Leeds there's plenty of sun-soaked spots to enjoy it.
To help you make the most out of the sun, we've taken it upon ourselves to do some in-depth research on the very best rooftop bars in Leeds to enjoy a drink or two.
You know, because someone's got to do it.
Whether you want to dress up and treat yourself to a swanky cocktail, jam out to a DJ whilst enjoying a craft beer or catch up with friends over some good food washed down by a refreshing beverage, there is a rooftop for you.
Let's get into it then shall we?
Green Room
36 Wellington St, Leeds LS1 2DE
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one definitely won't come as a surprise, having made a name for itself as one of the city's best nights out Green Room leads the way as the best rooftop in town.
Expect banging drinks, a buzzing atmosphere and New York style pizza - need we say more?
Headrow House
Bramleys Yard, 19 The Headrow
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Possibly the biggest rooftop in Leeds and set over two floors, this terrace promises a fantastic night out where you’ll be boogying on until the sun goes down. The first floor offers long picnic style tables, colourful parasols and overhead heaters to counteract the evening chill. The second floor has more benches amidst charming little covered huts, ideal for larger groups as they can be reserved in advance.
A huge neon sign is propped up amongst the skyline which comes alive when the sun goes down, setting the scene with a reddish tint as the DJ provides groovy tunes to take you into the early hours.
Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen
1-1a Cross Belgrave Street, Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you like craft beer and good music, this is the rooftop for you. Belgrave’s iconic rooftop is always jam packed in the Summer and it is no surprise why; the vibes are always immaculate and the drinks are ace. Kirkstall Brewery and Five Points Ale are just a taster of what’s on the pumps and there’s also a great cocktail menu which are well priced and mega tasty.
If you get peckish you can order some ‘session loaded fries’ from Patty Smith’s burgers or a huge sharing pizza from Dough Boys. Both vendors are just downstairs and are a good enough reason to make a trip to Belgrave alone. Live DJs play all day and there’s an authentic friendly atmosphere meaning you’ll all be bopping heads and soak in the views together.
Azotea
2 Sovereign St, LS1 4DA
Images: The Hoot Leeds
If you want to feel like you're on the set of Love Island then get yourself to Azotea and gather round the fire pit.
This Mexican-inspired rooftop is the perfect spot if you're feeling a little bit fancy and want to dress up with the girls and treat yourself to a couple of cocktails.
IF Rooftop
10 - 12 Park Cross Street, LS1 2BH
Images: The Hoot Leeds
This one's a little bit hidden, but if you can find the secret door and enter the code to the secret paradise then it's most definitely worth it.
Think incredible panoramic views of the city, banging cocktails and groovy DJs to get you grooving as the sun goes down.
Roland's
39 Call Lane, LS1 7BT
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Just when you thought Roland's on Call Lane couldn't get any better, head upstairs to their glorious sun terrace and be prepared to be proven wrong.
This small but mighty sun trap is a great spot to enjoy the best cocktails in town, and you can even watch the trains go by as you sip.
The Woods
5, Stainbeck Corner, Chapel Allerton, LS7 3PG
Images: The Hoot Leeds
Located in the heart of Chapel Allerton, this roof top is a firm favourite and it's easy to see why.
Great drinks, plenty of space and banging food by The Kerbside Kids. We can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night to be honest.
Headingley Heights
8 Otley Rd, Headingley, LS6 2AD
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're over in Headingley, then this is the spot for you. Upstairs at BOX you'll find this huge sprawling rooftop equipped with its own bar with exclusive cocktails, two huge HD screens showing all the sports and all the usual food and drink locals have come to know and love from BOX.
One of Leeds' most iconic brands is expanding with two city centre openings.
Coffee lovers, you're going to love this one.
North Star Coffee Roasters are one of the early pioneers of specialty coffee in the North of England and among the UK’s first B Corp-certified coffee roasters.
They've been keeping the people of Leeds awake since 2013, and you'll find their coffee across the country as well as at their current city centre locations.
One of their brand-new locations inside the Victoria Quarter will be opening next Monday 1 June.
Their new kiosk will be located outside Jo Malone London and marks the brand’s third site in Leeds.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
To celebrate the launch, North Star will be giving away 50 free coffees a day from Tuesday 2 June until Friday 5 June - a total of 200 free drinks across the opening week. Customers will be able to claim any coffee from the menu, with one free drink per person available on a first come, first served basis, each day.
Their other new site is expected to be on Great George Street, and we'll keep you updated with any news on that one as and when we know more.
Speaking about the opening, Holly Kragiopoulos, Co-founder of North Star, said: “Opening a third site in the centre of Leeds feels incredibly special for us. Leeds has always been at the heart of North Star, so being able to bring our coffee into Victoria Quarter is a huge milestone.
"We wanted to celebrate by giving something back to the city and welcoming both loyal regulars and new customers with free coffee throughout our opening week.”
Thor’s Tipi chosen as the new operator to create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ Leeds Christmas Market 2026
Clementine Hall
Leeds City Council has appointed Thor's tipi as the new operator of Leeds Christmas Market 2026 on City Square.
We hate to mention the C word in May... especially in the midst of a heatwave, but just bare with us on this one.
The beloved Leeds Christmas Market will have a new operator this year, as creators of pop-up seasonal bars Thor's Tipi have been given the responsibility by Leeds City Council.
So, what's going to be different?
Thor's tipi will create a ‘distinctly Yorkshire’ retail, craft and food market which celebrates Leeds identity.
Image: Supplied
The market will feature a Yorkshire based line-up, full of popular local names and Leeds street food legends and a series of cabins will also be reserved for local craft businesses and emerging artisans.
Alongside plenty of shopping and eating options, the Christmas Market will become a full-on-festive experience for visitors. There will be winter games and karaoke huts in an Alpine Lodge, the original THOR’S tipi - complete with its signature firepit seating area, free live music from local artists, school choirs & community performances throughout the season.
There will also be a host of family-friendly events, including a ‘Leeds Night Before Christmas’ trail, family raves and free craft tables.
Image: Supplied
Amanda Monaghan, Director of THOR’S tipi, said: "This is our eleventh year in Leeds and we’re super excited to bring the most beautiful Christmas Market to City Square! We’re especially looking forward to speaking with local traders about how we can showcase their talents. Get in touch if you’d like to be involved! We’d love to have you on-board.”
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council's executive member for economy, said: "We're delighted that Leeds will be welcoming a Christmas market again this year with a new look and that visitors will once again have the chance to experience the wonders of the festive season at the heart of the city centre.”
“As always, the council is committed to working with partners and providers to bring high quality and exciting events to the city. We know Christmas is always a special time in Leeds, and this year is set to be a memorable one."
Clementine Hall -
19th March 2026 
